Trash bag assembly and holder

ABSTRACT

The trash bag assembly includes a flexible open-topped trash bag having a holder releasably disposed inside the trash bag and holding it up for easy insertion of trash thereinto. The holder includes a frame and trash bag clamps to lock the bag to the top of the holder. The frame has a horizontal portion supported on depending vertical legs with rounded bottoms. The horizontal portion is collapsable and includes four arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof. In the operative position they are at right angles to each other to form an open-centered square or rectangle. The arms and/or legs can be adjustable in size, as by telescoping or the use of turnbuckles, to fit various sizes of trash bags. The clamps may be channel-shaped bars mounted on top of the arms, and the pivotably interconnected corners of some or all of the arms can be releasably locked to hold the arms in their operative position. With the holder inside the bag, it can expand freely to its full size during filling. The frame is light in weight, durable and easily inserted into and removed from the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Fiels of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to refuse holding equipment and,more particularly, to an improved trash bag and holder assembly.

2. Prior Art

Many types of trash bag filling stands, racks and supports have beenprovided in the past. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,350 whereina multi-piped bag filling stand is shown which is of complicatedconstruction and intended to support the outside of bags while they arebeing filled. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,512 where an open bottomedwire bag support is shown for holding the exterior of grocery bags.Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,085 illustrates an external frame arounda trash bag. U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,989 is similar in contrast, as is U.S.Pat. No. 4,562,983, as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,316,591, 4,620,683 and4,307,861. U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,344 discloses a thin wire frame intendedto hold open the mouth of a sack or bag while protruding above the bagand giving no vertical support to the bag.

There remains a need for an improved trash bag holder which holds thebag out to a sturdy uniform size from the inside of the bag whilesupporting it in an upright trash-receiving position, so that the bagcan fill to its maximum size and configuration. The holder shouldsupport the bag to protect it from breaking and facilitate lifting andcarrying the bag. Such holder should preferably fold up easily for easystacking and storage and be adjustable in size to fit various trashbags. The holder should be sturdy and inexpensive and slip easily intoand out of the trash bag, yet lock firmly to it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved trash bag holder and assembly of the bag and holder satisfyall the foregoing needs. The holder and assembly are substantially asset forth in the Abstract.

Thus, the holder includes a frame having a horizontal portion and avertical portion, the latter comprising four spaced depending legs withrounded bottoms. The legs are connected to the horizontal portion whichcomprises four arms pivotally interconnected at their ends to each otherand moveable between a collapsed flat position and an operativeopen-centered square or rectangular position. Certain of the fourcorners of the horizontal portion contain releasable spring biased pinlocks and the arms and/or legs preferably are adjustable, as bytelescoping or through the use of turn buckles and the like.

Clamps may be releasably secured to the arms to releasably hold the topof the trash bag to the holder. The clamps may be in the form ofchannel-shaped bars which are pivoted to the tops of some of the arms.The clamps, arms and legs may be of plastic, wood, metal or the like andare durable and efficient.

Further features of the invention are set forth in the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a firstpreferred embodiment of the improved bag holder of the present inventionand the assembly of the holder and bag in the fully operative position;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view or the holder of FIG. 1 duringcollapse thereof to the stored position;

FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a locking corner of theholder, in the collapsed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 fullycollapsed and inserted in the bag of FIG. 1, portions of the bag beingshown in dotted outline;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one of the lockingpin assemblies which can be employed in the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodimentof the improved trash bag holder of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged isometric view of a corner of the unit of FIG. 5,with the bag securing member raised;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a thirdpreferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of the presentinvention shown inside the bag of the present assembly; and,

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth preferred embodimentof the improved trash bag holder of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1-4

Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, a firstpreferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder and assembly ofthe present invention is schematically depicted therein. Thus, assembly10 is shown which comprises a flexible trash bag 12 of paper, plastic,cloth or the like, having closed sides 14 and bottom 16 and an open top18 defining a central trash-receiving space 20, within which an improvedbag holder 22 is releasably disposed.

Holder 22 comprises a generally horizontal upper portion 24 supported ona vertical depending portion 26, the latter comprising four spacedvertical legs 28 having rounded bottoms 30 to prevent tearing of bag 12.

Legs 28 are connected to the underside of four arms 32 comprisingportion 24. Arms 32 are pivotally interconnected at opposite endsthereof to form with legs 28 a frame 34 which is moveable between theoperative position of FIG. 1 and the collapsed folded storage positionof FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows in an intermediate position during collapsing offrame 34. In the operative position of FIG. 1, arms 32 are at rightangles to each other to form an open-centered four cornered square orrectangle with legs 28 at the four corners.

Arms 32 bear means which releasably lock them in the operative position.Such locking means may comprise, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, andFIG. 2A, pivot pins 35 having expanded heads 36 and vertical shafts 38,the latter extending through openings 33 in the corners of twooverlapping arms 32 and secured as by screwing at 41 into leg 28. A coilspring 42 is disposed around shaft 38 to bias extension 39 downwardsinto the locked up position of FIG. 4. In this position extension 39 isdisposed in a cut-out space 31 above extension 35 with extension 39overlying and being in contact with extension 35. This prevents rotationof extension 39 relative to extension 35. However, when extension 39 ismoved upwards to overcome the bias of spring 42, extension 39 is movedout of space 31, out of contact with extension 35 and above surface 43of upper arm 32, thereby allowing extension 39 to be rotatedhorizontally relative to the associated extension 35 for moving of frame34 to the collapsed storage position of FIG. 3.

It will be understood that other releasable locking means can beemployed in place of that described to releasably hold arms 32 in theoperative position of FIG. 1, a position in which frame 34 holds bag top18 fully open and space 20 fully expanded. Bag 12 is held up around theoutside of frame 34 by having the top 18 thereof trapped between one ormore c-clamps 46 and the arms 32 to which they are releasably connected(FIG. 1). In this position, bottom 16 of bag 12 rests below roundedbottoms 30 of legs 28, while the remainder of legs 28 frame the insideof bag at sides 14 thereof. Yet bag 12 while being held by C-clamps 46can still fully expand diametrically for maximum trash retention whilebeing supported by frame 34.

Holder 22 is light in weight, simple, foldable and efficient. It can befabricated of metal, plastic, wood or the like in various sizes to fitbags 12 of various dimensions. Since frame 34 is on the inside of bag12, it does not restrict full expansion of bag 12 for optimum bagutility.

FIG. 5

A second preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of thepresent invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 5A.Thus, holder 22a is shown and can be used in the present assembly in bag12, if desired, in place of holder 22. Components of holder 22a similarto those of holder 22 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by theletter "a". Holder 22a is substantially identical to holder 22, exceptfor the following:

(a) each arm 32a has two telescoping parts, 32a₁ and 32a¹¹ releasablylocked together with a threaded screw 50 to hold them in a desiredposition;

(b) each leg 28a has two telescoping parts, 28a¹ and 28a¹¹ releasablylocked together by a threaded screw 52 to hold them in a desiredposition; and

two of the opposed arm portions 32a¹ bear flat bars 54 pivotablyconnected to the upper surfaces thereof and adapted to releasably lockor pinch the top 18 of bag 12 (not shown) therebetween when top 18 islapped over arms 32a. Holder 22a has substantially the other advantagesof holder 22 and can be fabricated of similar materials. If desired,bars 54 can be separable from arms 32a¹ and not be pivotally connectedthereto.

FIG. 6

A third preferred embodiment of the improved assembly and holder of thepresent invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 6. Thus, assembly10b is shown, including bag 12b and holder 22b. Components thereofsimilar to those of FIGS. 1-4 or 5 bear the same numerals, but aresucceeded by the letter "b". Assembly 10b is substantially identical toassembly 10, but differs therefrom only as follows:

arms 32 each include a round turnbuckle 60 into which are threaded sidecylinders 62 and 64 so that rotation of turnbuckle 60 in one directionincreases the length of arm 32b while rotation of turnbuckle 60 in theopposite direction decreases the length of arm 32b. Accordingly, thedimensions of frame 34b can be varied to accommodate various sizes oftrash bags 12b. Holder 22b and assembly 10b have the other advantages ofholder 22 and assembly 10.

FIG. 7

A fourth preferred embodiment of the improved trash bag holder of thepresent invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 7. Thus, holder 22cis shown. Components thereof similar to those of holders 22, 22a and/or22b bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "c". Holder22c is substantially identical to holder 22b except as follows:

(a) turnbuckles 60c are square or rectangular in transversecross-section instead of round; and,

(b) locking bars 54c are pivotably connected to the upper surfaces oftwo opposing arms 32c and are open bottomed, channel shaped and ofsimilar but slightly larger transverse cross-section then turnbuckles60c so as to slide thereover and trap trash bag top 18 (not shown)herebetween. Holder 22c has the other advantages of holder 22b.

.[.Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additions canbe made in the improved trash bag assembly and holder of the presentinvention, and in their components and parameters. All suchmodifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within thescope of the appended claims form part of the present invention..]..Iadd.Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additionscan be made of the present invention, and in their components andparameters. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, three arms32, with two of the arms connected at right angles at each end of athird arm, may be used to define the open centered frame of the trashbag holder. All such modifications, changes, alterations and additionsas are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved adjustable trash bag holder adaptedto fit inside a flexible trash bag to support said bag, said holdercomprising, in combination:(a) four about horizontal arms pivotablyinterconnected at opposite ends thereof for movement between a collapsedfolded position wherein said arms be flat against each other andfacilitate insertion thereof into a flexible trash bag and an operativeposition wherein said arms are at about right angles to each other toform an open centered about rectangular frame for holding the interiorof a trash bag in a trash-receiving position; (b) four about verticallegs connected to and depending from opposite ends of said arms, saidlegs having rounded bottoms and being adapted to support said arms in anabout horizontal position within a trash bag; (c) clamp means connectedto at least some of said arms to releasably secure the top of a trashbag to said arms; and (d) said legs being substantially straight andfree of transverse structure which would interfere with the removal ofthe bag.
 2. The improved holder of claim 1, wherein said holder includesreleasable locking means at the ends of at least some of said arms tohold said arms in said operative position.
 3. The improved holder ofclaim 2 wherein said releasable locking means comprise spring biasedpins disposed in at least two corners of said frame for releasablyinterlocking the arms of said corners together.
 4. The improved holderof claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprise C-clamps.
 5. The improvedholder of claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprise bars pivotablyconnected to the upper surfaces of some of said arms and adapted toreleasably trap a trash bag top between said bars and adjacent arm tops.6. The improved holder of claim 5 wherein said arms are square orrectangular in transverse cross-section and said bars are open-bottomedand channel-shaped and of similar transverse cross-section.
 7. Theimproved holder of claim 1 wherein said holder is adjustable in size tofit the interior of trash bags of various dimensions.
 8. The improvedholder of claim 7 wherein at least some of said arms telescope.
 9. Theimproved holder of claim 8 wherein said legs telescope.
 10. The improvedholder of claim 7 wherein said arms include turnbuckles which uponrotation increase or decrease the length of said arms.
 11. The improvedholder of claim 10 wherein said turnbuckles are square in transversecross-section and wherein said clamp means comprise channel-shapedopen-bottomed bars of similar cross-section pivoted to the tops of atleast some of said arms.
 12. An improved trash bag and holder assembly,said assembly comprising, in combination:(a) a flexible open toppeddisposable trash bag; and (b) a trash bag holder disposed inside saidtrash bag, said holder including a frame, comprising, in combination,i.four arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof for movementbetween a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be flat againsteach other for storage and removal from said trash bag and an operativeposition wherein said arms are about right angles to each other to forman open-centered four-cornered configuration and hold said bag in anopen trash-receiving position; ii. four spaced vertical legs connectedto said arms at said four corners and supporting said arms in ahorizontal position in said bag, said legs having rounded bottoms toprevent them from tearing said bag; iii. clamp means releasably clampingsaid trash bag top to said arms; and iv. said legs being substantiallystraight and free of transverse structure which could interfere with theremoval of the bag.
 13. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein saidholder includes releasable locking means of at least some of saidcorners to hold said arms in said operative position.
 14. The improvedassembly of claim 13 wherein said locking means comprises spring-biasedpivot pins.
 15. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein said clampmeans comprise at least one of C-clamps and bars pivotably connected tothe upper surfaces of at least some of said arms and adapted toreleasably trap the top of said trash bag between said clamp means andsaid arms.
 16. The improved assembly of claim 15 wherein said arms aresquare or rectangular in transverse cross-section and said clamp meansare open-bottomed channel-shaped bars of similar configuration to saidarms.
 17. The improved assembly of claim 12 wherein said holder isadjustable in size.
 18. The improved assembly of claim 17 wherein saidlegs telescope.
 19. The improved assembly of claim 17 wherein said armsinclude turnbuckles which upon rotation increase or decrease the lengthof said arms.
 20. A method for disposing of trash using plastic bags anda trash holder wherein the trash holder includes (a) four abouthorizontal arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof formovement between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be flatagainst each other and facilitate insertion thereof into a flexibletrash bag and an operative position wherein said arms are at about rightangles to each other to form an open centered about rectangular framefor holding the interior of a trash bag in a trash-receiving position;(b) four about vertical legs connected to and depending from oppositeends of said arms, said legs having rounded bottoms and being adapted tosupport said arms in an about horizontal position within a trash bag;(c) clamp means connected to at least some of said arms to releasablysecure the top of a trash bag to said arms; and (d) said legs beingsubstantially straight and free of transverse structure which couldinterfere with the removal of the bag;said method comprising: collapsingthe holder and inserting it into the plastic bag with the legs extendingtoward the bottom of the bag; opening the holder within the plastic bag;locking the upper edges of the plastic bag to the horizontal arms of theholder; filling the trash bag with trash while it is supported by thebag; and removing the holder by withdrawing it from the top of the bag,leaving the filled trash bag. .Iadd.
 21. An improved trash bag andholder assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination:(a) a flexibleopen topped disposable trash bag; and (b) a trash bag holder disposedinside said trash bag, said holder including a frame, comprising, incombination,i. a plurality of substantially horizontal arms, wherein atleast one end of each of said arms is pivotally connected to one end ofanother of said arms so that the arms are interconnected thereof formovement between a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be flatagainst each other for storage and removal from said trash bag and anoperative position wherein said arms are about right angles to eachother to form an open-centered four cornered configuration and hold saidbag in an open trash-receiving position; ii. four spaced vertical legsconnected to said arms at said four corners and supporting said arms ina horizontal position in said bag, said legs having rounded bottoms toprevent them from tearing said bag; iii. clamp means releasably clampingsaid trash bag top to said arms; and iv. said legs being substantiallystraight and free of transverse structure which could interfere with theremoval of the bag. .Iaddend. .Iadd.22. A method for disposing of trashusing plastic bags and a trash holder wherein the trash holder includes(a) a plurality of substantially horizontal arms, wherein at least oneend of each of said arms is pivotably connected to one end of another ofsaid arms so that the arms are interconnected thereof for movementbetween a collapsed folded position wherein said arms be flat againsteach other and facilitate insertion thereof into a flexible trash bagand an operative position wherein said arms are at about right angles toeach other to form an open centered about rectangular frame for holdingthe interior of a trash bag in a trash-receiving position; (b) fourabout vertical legs connected to and depending from opposite ends ofsaid arms, said legs having rounded bottoms and being adapted to supportsaid arms in an about horizontal position within a trash bag; (c) clampmeans connected to at least some of said arms to releasably secure thetop of a trash bag to said arms; and (d) said legs being substantiallystraight and free of transverse structure which could interfere with theremoval of the bag; said method comprising: collapsing the holder andinserting it into the plastic bag with the legs extending toward thebottom of the bag; opening the holder within the plastic bag; lockingthe upper edges of the plastic bag to the horizontal arms of the holder;filling the trash bag with trash while it is supported by the bag; andremoving the holder by withdrawing it from the top of the bag, leavingthe filled trash bag. .Iaddend.